Men jailed for 13 years after sex attack on young woman they found in Northampton town centre

Reporter

Two men who kidnapped a woman they saw laying on a bench on the town centre, and later raped her, have been given jail terms.

Dumitru Chirac, aged 31 of Turners Court, Wootton, was convicted of kidnap and two counts of rape and sentenced to 13 years in prison with an extended sentence of five years on licence.

Vasile-Cristinel Calin, aged 44 of Obelisk Rise, Northampton

Vasile-Cristinel Calin, aged 44 of Obelisk Rise, Northampton was convicted of kidnap and two counts of rape, and sentenced to 13 years in prison with an extended sentence of five years on licence.

The victim had been on a night out in Northampton town centre with friends and family, earlier this year. While three of them went into McDonald's on The Drapery in the town centre, the victim was asleep outside on a bench.

It was here that she was approached by one of the defendants, Chirac, who took her to a Vauxhall Vectra parked on Mercer’s Row.

Eye witnesses who saw Chirac take the victim away, and who later called the police, gave an account that the victim did not look steady on her feet, that she was stumbling and that it was unclear whether she was resisting the male leading her away or trying to steady herself.

Both offenders pleaded not guilty but in October, following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, they were found guilty.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Suttie, who led the investigation, said: “These two men saw a vulnerable young woman and took advantage of her in the worst possible way. They refused to take responsibility for their actions and made the victim further endure a trial.

“Hopefully now, the victim can put this terrible ordeal behind her and move on with her life.

“I would like to thank those witnesses who called the police and made a note of the registration plate, for their quick thinking and support in the case.

“We want people who go out to enjoy themselves and keep safe. The sad reality is that drinking too much could make you vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime or even a perpetrator of crime. We would always advise people to drink safely and stay with friends when you go out. Plan your return home and don’t deviate from it.”